The Best Medicine Show—a mixture of live acts and recorded skits featuring medical students—will raise funds for Equal Access Birmingham.

Students from the UAB School of Medicine will take the stage Friday, March 1, 2013 at the historic Alabama Theatre for The Best Medicine Show, an annual philanthropic event showcasing the students’ creative sides with short digital films, music and dance, while raising money for Equal Access Birmingham, a student-run community service initiative that operates a clinic to provide primary care for underserved people in the Birmingham area.

The Best Medicine Show is an opportunity for students to use their ideas poking fun at medical student life and turn those ideas into live acts, songs and videos. Live talent for the show includes dance groups, bands, singers, comedy acts and more.

“The inspiration and spirit of the Best Medicine Show is this exuberance and zeal,” said Kara Graves, a fourth year medical student and member of the show’s creative direction committee. “Even though we are going to be doctors, that’s not all of who we are. We want share all the other parts with the Birmingham community.”

Graves said there is medical humor throughout the show, but said it’s not the show’s total focus.

“You don’t have to be in medical school or a medical professional to understand the show,” she said. “We’re trying to make fun of all parts of life. We’re really hoping to share our humor and share our fun with everyone.” The UASOM Student Senate, which hosts the show, raised $56,000 for EAB last year through sponsorships and donations, as well as match contributions from the Dean’s Office in the School of Medicine.

“We use the show as an opportunity to give the proceeds we raise back to the Birmingham community in a meaningful way,” said Omar Ahmed, a second-year medical student and producer of The Best Medicine Show.

The show begins at 7 p.m. inside the Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North, Birmingham. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Advance tickets are $5.50 for students and $11 for general admission. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 general admission and $10 for students. The student price extends to students from other colleges and universities. A valid student ID will be required.